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Surveillance of Wild Birds for Avian Influenza |
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Written by Deb
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Monday, 26 June 2006 |
Officials in Nova Scotia are checking wild birds for potential avian influenza. The Department of Natural Resources will collect birds, in particular water birds, as part of its normal surveillance of diseased wildlife.
Avian influenza is a viral infection that can spread easily and quickly among birds. There are at least 15 types of avian influenza.
Some wild bird species, such as ducks, can carry the virus and infect other birds without getting sick themselves. Other bird species are more likely to become severely ill and die when infected.
Dr. Ann Roberts, Department of Health Promotion and Protection says there is no reason to believe that the health risk has changed from what it has been in the past.
The Department of Natural Resources should be contacted if the public sees sick or dead birds. The birds which meet testing criteria will be collected and sent to the lab at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown.
For more information on avian influenza go to www.gov.ns.ca/health |
